The Sun Bear is the smallest bear. It has short black fur, and a yellow spot on its chest. Its ears are small and round. It has big feet with naked soles and long claws, which help the Sun Bear climbing. It can climb very well. It cannot see very well, but its sense of smell is very good.

After a pregnancy of 96 days the female gives birth to 1-2 babies. Young Sun Bears become mature when they are 3-4 years old. Sun Bears can become up to 28 years old when in captivity (held by humans, e.g. in zoos).